November 2015 Studio Newsletter

WISHING YOU A SEASON FILLED WITH WAGGING TAILS AND GRATITUDE

It's been too long since I sent out an actual newsletter. I get caught up in life at the easel and in the real world, and haven't made staying in touch a big enough priority. I got lazy. I'll admit it.

Recently in my personal life I have been focusing on being fully present and practicing authenticity. This consciousness has leaked into everything I do, which is a beautiful thing. As a consequence, I have realized that reaching out and staying in touch with you is a critical piece of choosing to share my gratitude.

I am so blessed to be able to paint and earn a living with my art, and I am so blessed to have this community of fans and friends who make it a possibility. So I'm packing this newsletter up with a virtual warm brownie and a giant bearhug. And the promise that I will work harder at nurturing our relationship and sharing with you in the future.

So please, if you are so inclined, take that virtual brownie and settle in to read about what's been happening in the studio.

Warmly, Kim

ksantini@turtledovedesigns.com

Recap of Kentucky Derby

Hard to believe that it was nearly a year ago I went public with the news I was the 2015 Kentucky Derby artist. Many, many thanks to Clare Jett (pictured at left, photo courtesy of Irvine Park Images) for the cold call made 2 summer's ago offering me the job. Follow my Kentucky Derby journey in this photo essay.

A limited number of personalized Kentucky Derby and Oaks posters remain available. Please inquire.

Commissions Available

Gifting original art, especially a pet portrait, will get you a secure spot on their list of favorites. Can't get your hands on photos without ruining the surprise? That's ok - we'll put together a certificate and allow the recipient to participate in the process. I have a handful of holiday commission spots remaining, with prices starting at $399. Inquire directly and let's get the process started.

Painting on Copper

I have been busy intensely studying and actively learning, and paintings on copper are one of my new explorations. Light interacts and changes the copper surface as the viewer approaches/moves, and these pieces are stunning when viewed in person. Follow along on my copper painting adventure. View videos of the works

Want to Paint With Me?

I am scheduling multi-day workshops for 2016 and look forward to traveling to your neck of the woods. If you would like to host a workshop, it's a fairly simple process, and we should talk.

I am also continuing local grownUPs Journaling classes (3rd Thursdays of each month) and am accepting a few private students (children and adults).

Contact me for more information.

Add to Your Collection (or Start One Now!)

Shop originals available

I offer reproductions, cell phone cases, tote bags, tshirts, notecards, shower curtains, pillows and duvet covers featuring my artwork. They make fantastic gifts for yourself or someone special on your list. Take a peek at all of the reproduction options in my FineArtAmerica storefront

A Dog Named Blue

This book of color is a perfect gift for toddlers from their pet-loving friends and relatives. Each page contains a full color reproduction of one of my animal paintings, with delightful color-centric puns and activities.

Additionally, there are 3 titles outlining my initial years as a daily painter (can you believe I'm in my 10th year?!)

All books available here.

I accept Paypal and personal checks.

Gift certificates and payment plans always available.

I want to get my artwork into your hands. Inquire and let's make it happen.

Many thanks to the following galleries for their hard work every single day of the year. You are welcome to visit and see my pieces (and some other fabulous art) in person.

Spa Fine Art, Saratoga Springs, NY

Equis Art Gallery, Red Hook, NY

AKA Stella Gray, New Orleans, LA

I am seeking additional representation, and would particularly love to find a gallery space in Kentucky. I am not opposed to shipping or personally delivering my artwork elsewhere, either.

Picture Book "A Dog Named Blue" - now available!!

The cover of "A Dog Named Blue," now available from Blurb publishers. When I first painted Amelia I never imagined that she would be re-christened "Blue" and inspire a book. In her defense, Amelia had a number of other partners in crime - animals who's portraits seemed to fall into a specific color category and prompt color-centric names. In typical ADD fashion, my brain started spinning 100mph. What if I turned those muses' paintings into a picture book for animal loving kids? I shared my idea with three friends in the industry, and they eagerly offered their expertise. I am truly indebted to them. Illustrator and author Matt Faulkner and children's book author and literacy expert Kristen Remenar edited an early version of the draft. They suggested key plot/conceptual changes that made it oodles better. Designer Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson worked her magic, pairing the images with perfectly color...

Tabby Kit

"Tabby Kit," 5" x 7", acrylics on a museum quality panel, depicting a tiny little orange striped guy from Morgue File . This painting can be yours for $289, which includes s&h inside the US. And in case you didn't see it, a little doodle of him is also available for sale here . Inquires may come directly to me . Although it certainly doesn't FEEL like spring here (snow and ice and wind chills, brr!), I can tell that spring is coming. The mercury is rising a wee bit each day and the days are getting longer and brighter. Over the weekend we drove with the moonroof open just to feel the sun's meager and oh-so-very-welcome warmth (although the heat in the car was cranked, too, in the interest of full disclosure!). I wanted to work with spring-like colors today, and this little guy was still on my mind , so I grabbed a small panel and got to work. Of course, I also have Poppy to finish and some changes to make to another po...

Dear Copyright Thieves

Dear Copyright Thieves, Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's free for the taking. So let's just stop pretending the internet is a free-for-all. Don't play the card that you didn't know - that's insulting. And don't also tell me that you meant to follow up and get permission but never got a chance to. That's insulting too. And by the way, don't you have a copyright protection notice on your own site? And don't even try and point the finger at a third party who commissioned you to make a copy of my painting - again, an insult - you and I both know the difference between a reference photo and a painting. And don't tell me that I asked for it because I share my artwork on the internet. I share my paintings and ideas and the stories behind them so as to encourage others to pursue their own passions . I do not share so that those lacking integrity and morals can copy and market the images as their own...

Paintings With Soul

Search This Blog